Key takeaways:
- Russian security forces have arrested US journalist Evan Gershkovich on suspicion of espionage.
- The Federal Security Service (FSB) said Gershkovich was attempting to collect information about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex.
- The arrest of a foreign journalist on espionage charges is a rare occurrence in Russia and has raised concerns about press freedom in the country.
Russian security forces have arrested a U.S. journalist on suspicion of espionage. Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was detained in Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural Mountains, on Thursday.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) said Gershkovich was attempting to collect information about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, which constitutes a state secret.
The FSB, the top KGB successor agency, said Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage. The Wall Street Journal did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The arrest of a foreign journalist on espionage charges is a rare occurrence in Russia. The FSB has not released any further information about the case, and it is unclear what evidence they have against Gershkovich.
The incident has raised concerns about press freedom in Russia. International media watchdogs have called on the Russian government to release Gershkovich and ensure that journalists can report freely and without fear of retribution.
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